City manager rueful of Grecians’ profligacy
Following a 1-0 home reverse against Burton Albion, Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale was left rueing missed opportunities that gave the Brewers the chance to nick the game’s only goal in the 89th minute.
Phil Edwards powered home a header in the dying moments, but the Grecians had had two clear-cut chances to open the scoring. Alan Gow released John O’Flynn in the first half, before Gow himself was sent clear by Arron Davies in the second – and on both occasions England under-19 stopper Jordan Pickford kept the out the City forwards.
“We missed some very good chances,” said Tis. “You can’t miss chances like that and then give a soft corner away like that in the last minute of the game.
“Yes, their goalkeeper did make some good saves but we should have done better.
“We should have rounded the ‘keeper in the first half – it was a great opportunity as he went down early. Then we contrived to miss again in the second half.”
Edwards’ goal was a sucker-punch when it came – not just because of the timing, but because of the nature of the opportunity.
Chris Hussey’s corner was the most softly-conceded of the 14 that the Brewers had in the game, as a communication breakdown allowed the defender to deliver a strafing left-footed corner for his fellow full-back to head home.
“We played really well but we lost the game,” continued Paul. “If we’re going to be successful we won’t lose games like that, and especially to that type of corner where we gave the ball away under no pressure.
“We have to recognise it, feel the moment and feel the danger, whatever that might be. It was an absolute giveaway.”